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OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Healing Headaches
Supplements to Reduce Headaches
by Jannet Huang, MD,
FRCPC, FACE, ABHM
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for
general educational purposes only. Supplements (herbal and vitamins)
should be complementary to a healthy lifestyle as well as appropriate
medical evaluation and treatment. Those who are interested in
beginning a nutritional supplement should first consult their
personal physician.
This month’s Supplement Cabinet highlights some natural
supplements to reduce headache frequency and severity, as well
as some natural remedies for headache relief.
Coenzyme
Q-10
Taking coenzyme Q-10 orally seems to help prevent migraine headaches. Coenzyme
Q-10 decreases the frequency of headaches by about 30% and the number of days
with headache-related nausea by about 45% in adults. It can take up to 3 months
for significant benefit.
Feverfew
There is some evidence that taking feverfew orally can reduce the
frequency of migraine headaches and reduce symptoms of pain,
nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. It may
be more effective in patients with more frequent migraine attacks.
Magnesium
Taking magnesium orally seems to reduce the frequency and severity
of migraine headaches
Riboflavin
(Vitamin B2)
Taking high dose riboflavin 400 mg/day seems to significantly reduce
the frequency of migraine headache attacks. Some evidence suggests
that riboflavin might be as effective for reducing migraine headache
frequency as the beta-blockers. However, there is some conflicting
evidence.
Fish Oil Omega 3 Fatty Acids
There is evidence to support taking fish oil omega 3 fatty acids
may reduce migraine headaches.
Butterbur
Taking butterbur orally seems to prevent migraine headache. A
specific butterbur rhizome extract standardized to 15% petasin
and isopetasin, and hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)-free
(Petadolex, Weber&Weber, GmbH & Co, Germany), has been
found in several studies to reduce the frequency, intensity,
and duration of migraine headache when used over a period of
16 weeks. (*This Butterbur preparation Petadolex is available by special
order, please contact the Center for details.)
Peppermint
Applying peppermint oil topically seems to help relieve tension
headaches.
Financial disclosure: The Center for Optimal Health, Inc is
an independent distributor of GNLD products.
—June 2007
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